cover image The Children We Remember

The Children We Remember

Chana Byers Abells. Greenwillow Books, $15.95 (48pp) ISBN 978-0-688-06371-9

Powerful. Sobering. Harrowing. Stark. These are but some of the descriptions for the reactions evoked by this pictorial account of the Nazi era as suffered by Jewish children. Originally published by Kar-Ben, Abell's book uses a chronological organization, beginning with `""Before the Nazis . . . some children lived in towns like this,'' showing ordinary settings. Later, children are seen hungry in the streets; one is shot while being held by a woman. The pictures of happier times, the naming of specific children who died, and an economy of words increase the ghastly impact. Total despair does not reign; some children survive. Young readers will feel empoweredalmost saved through identificationby these children's strategies for rescue, hiding and escape. The book is meant to be shared with someone who can explain the images; its message is one that richly deserves a wide audience. (All ages